First Draft: At RB, Hammock says James White brings versatility

(Note: In the days leading up to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, we'll talk to college coaches in previewing each position)

Green Bay — At the NFL scouting combine last year, Wisconsin's Montee Ball said he "owed a lot" to Curtis Martin. Like Martin, he was durable in college. Like Martin, there were questions about Ball's speed. Look at the numbers, Ball said then. Through 924 carries, he fumbled twice.

The Denver Broncos banked on Ball's durability, taking the running back in the second round. And in a complementary role as a rookie, Ball overcame a sloppy start to finish with 559 rushing yards on 120 attempts with four touchdowns.

One year later, his former teammate will be fielding similar questions. Again, a highly productive Wisconsin running back is heading to the pros. This time, it's James White. The 5-foot-9, 206-pound White is already selling his versatility.

During Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Ala., White said running backs today need to "do it all." and he believes he can be that weapon. Badgers running backs coach Thomas Hammock believes White does possess a diverse, all-around game that can transfer to the pros.

In the right offense, he thinks White can last in the NFL.

Hammock says White can help in “all facets of the game — running, catching, blocking.” Ball and White have two different, distinct running styles.

"James is more of a make-you-miss type of back," Hammock said. "Montee was more power, physical, downhill because he’s a little bit bigger. But James can help you in the passing game as well. He can catch it. He can run routes. He has a good understanding of football. Very, very smart football player. I think his skill-set will transition well to the next level.”

Still, in a draft that features explosive backs, teams may be wary of White's speed. He hasn't run the 40-yard dash since high school --- White's time at the Combine will be important.

Hammock, who later added that he is not a candidate for the Packers' RB coach job, acknowledged that White is not a burner.

“Obviously you’d need to get him in the right situation,” Hammock said. “He doesn’t have elite speed. But there’s a lot of backs who haven’t been the fastest runners. He just has to be given a good opportunity in a good situation to show what he can do, similar to what he was able to do during the Senior Bowl.”

In Mobile, White did stand out.

Building on his season — when he caught 39 passes for 300 yards in addition to 1,444 yards on the ground — White was smooth as a receiver during the week of practice. On game day, he rushed for 62 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown and five receptions.

Hammock said White was always a solid receiver, but had more opportunities last fall.

“He’s a football player," the coach said. "Sometimes, the speed can be blown out of proportion. He has excellent vision. He has an excellent feel for the game. I think the more opportunities he gets, the better he’ll have a chance to perform.

“His senior year was finally his opportunity to step up and be the man. He performed well in the spotlight.”

As far as the Packers are concerned, the conversation at running back is much, much different this February.

A year ago, coach Mike McCarthy said the team preferred a three-down running back it could feed throughout the course of a game, whether that back was on the roster or not. The Packers were on the hunt for a workhorse and that player ended up being Eddie Lacy, who went on to win rookie honors across the board. With Lacy, Johnathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris and possibly the free agent James Starks returning, don't count on Green Bay eyeing backs early this year.

Similar to last year's group, there may not be a surefire first-rounder. But again, there are many intriguing second- and third-round options. Here a few to keep an eye on at the combine...

Tre Mason (Auburn): The engine behind Auburn's complex rushing scheme ripped Alabama for 169 yards in the Iron Bowl and then erupted for 304 yards with four touchdowns in the SEC Championship. Mason plays larger than his 5-9, 206-pound frame suggests.

Jeremy Hill (LSU): A powerful back who runs downhill, Hill enters the NFL draft after just two college seasons. Runs like LaGarrette Blount. Rushed for 1,401 yards last fall. Teams will be looking into Hill's past. Was arrested for simple battery outside a bar.

Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona): Rushed for more than 100 yards in every game last season. A great fit in Rich Rodriguez's offense, Carey exploded for 206 yards with four touchdowns on 48 carries in an upset of then-No. 5 Oregon. Missed the season opener due to disciplinary reasons.

Carlos Hyde (Ohio State): Another potential workhorse back. Has a build similar to Lacy and can carry bodies with him. Teams will be asking Hyde about his three-game suspension.

De'Anthony Thomas (Oregon): One of this year's true draft mysteries. A speed demon. Where does Thomas play in the pros? The 5-9, 176-pounder was a human highlight film in college, also anchoring the school's 4x100 relay team.

(Journal Sentinel photo by Mike De Sisti)

About Tyler Dunne

Tyler Dunne covers the Green Bay Packers. He has been on the beat since 2011, winning awards with the Pro Football Writers of America and Milwaukee Press Club.